[acomjean]

You have a good point in that it was supposed to replace all kinds of aircraft. That was kind of its thing.

“ intended to replace a wide range of existing fighter, strike, and ground attack aircraft …”

One aircraft for the navy, marines and air force would save money was the thinking I imagine.

I remember the competition for the design many year ago (there was a Nova tv program) but haven’t been following too closely but it’s had issues filling all the roles.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Strike_Fighter_program